How To Replace & Reset KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filters

Need to know the easiest way to replace the water filter in your KitchenAid refrigerator, and how to reset the water filter status light?

Here, we’ve shared instructions on how to do both of these things, depending on which filter you’re replacing and the refrigerator model you own.

1️⃣ How To Replace Filter Type 1

If your refrigerator requires the KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter 1 (the KAD2RXD1) OR the everydrop Water Filter 1 (the EDR1RXD1),a compatible filter sold by KitchenAid), follow these steps to replace the water filter:

1. Find the location of the water filter cover. This should be inside your refrigerator in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Lift up the filter door and pull the filter straight out.
3. Take the new filter out of its packaging and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings, making sure the O-rings are still in place.
4. Insert the new filter into the slot. Check that the grooves are properly aligned with the notches and the arrow is pointing upward. The door will begin to close automatically over the filter.
5. Press the filter door closed (you should hear it click).
6. Dispense 4 gallons of water from the fridge water dispenser to flush the new filter.

2️⃣ How To Replace Filter Type 2

If your refrigerator requires the KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter 2 (the KAD1RXD1) OR the everydrop Water Filter 2 (the EDR2RXD1), first, locate the water filter cover in your fridge.

If the water filter cover is in the upper-right hand corner of the fridge, follow these instructions to replace the filter:

1. Pull the filter door to open it.
2. Angle the filter and pull it down, then twist it counterclockwise and pull.
3. Remove the new filter from its packaging, take off the orange cap, and remove the protective O-ring coverings (make sure the O-rings are still in place).
4. Insert the new filter into the slot with the arrow pointing upward. The filter will rotate as you push it in.
5. Close the filter door (you should hear it click when closed correctly).
6. Dispense 4 gallons of water from the fridge water dispenser to flush the new filter.

If the water filter cover is in the lower left-hand corner, next to the Temperature Controlled crisper drawer, follow these instructions to replace the filter:

1. Press the button on the filter door to pop it open and pull out the old filter.
2. Wipe away any excess water with a clean cloth.
3. Remove the new filter from its packaging, take off the orange cap, and remove the protective O-ring coverings (make sure the O-rings are still in place).
4. Reapply the bottom filter cap to the new filter.
5. Slide the filter into the housing, then twist it until you hear a click. That means the filter has locked. No need to over-tighten the filter.
6. Dispense 4 gallons of water from the fridge dispenser to flush the new filter.

3️⃣ How To Replace Filter Type 3

If your refrigerator requires the KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter 3 (the KAD3RXD1) OR the everydrop Water Filter 3 (the EDR3RXD1), follow these instructions to replace the filter:

1. Find the location of the water filter cover. It should be on the left of the refrigerator’s base grille.
2. Press the release button to eject the filter, then turn the black filter cap clockwise to remove it. Keep hold of this for later.
3. Pull the old filter out of the housing.
4. Remove the new filter from its packaging and remove the blue cap. Check that the O-rings are still present.
5. Put the black cap on the new filter, checking that the ridges are aligned, then twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Insert the filter into the slot with the arrow pointing upwards.
7. Push the filter all the way into the slot until the eject button pops out.
8. Dispense 4 gallons of water from the fridge dispenser to flush the new filter.

4️⃣ How To Replace Filter Type 4

If your refrigerator requires the KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter 4 (the KAD4RXD1) OR the everydrop Water Filter 4 (the EDR4RXD1), follow these steps to replace the filter:

1. Locate the water filter housing. This should be in the upper-right-hand corner of the fridge.
2. If your refrigerator’s water filter housing tab faces outward, push on it to pull the cover down. If it has a tab on the bottom of the cover, pull the small lever down to open it.
3. Turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out of the housing.
4. If this is a first-time water filter installation, locate the cap inside the filter slot and remove it from the housing, turning it counterclockwise while pulling.
5. Remove the new filter from its packaging and insert it into the housing.
6. Check that the grooves are aligned and turn the filter to the right, then push up on the filter to lock it in place.
7. Shut the filter door.
8. Dispense 4 gallons of water from the fridge dispenser to flush the new filter.

🔂 How To Reset KitchenAid Filter Indicator Light In 5 Ways

Different KitchenAid refrigerators have different rules when it comes to resetting the water filter status light.

Some models may automatically reset the light without your input, so you can skip this section.

Others need you to manually reset the filter status light, usually by pressing a filter reset button. The appearance and location of this button depends on the type of KitchenAid refrigerator you own and its unique display panel.

The manufacturer recommends checking your user manual for dedicated instructions on resetting the water filter status light on your model.

But if you want an idea of what to do, here are 5 different ways to reset the filter status light for 5 different KitchenAid refrigerators:

• Type 1: Once you’ve changed the filter, press and hold “MAX COOL” and “MAX ICE” together for 3 seconds. After a 3-second countdown, the display will play a tune and flash an icon to tell you that the filter indicator light is reset.
• Type 2: After changing the filter, press and hold the “FILTER RESET” button until the status light turns off, telling you that the timer has successfully reset.
• Type 3: Replace the filter, then press and hold the “WATER FILTER” button for 3 seconds. You’ll notice that the instructions “Replace Filter” will disappear from the display and the water filter icon will turn blue, indicating that the filter timer is reset.
• Type 4: Once you’ve changed the filter, press “OPTIONS” on the control panel, then “FILTER RESET”. Confirm your selection by pressing “MEASURED FILL”, then check that the status light has switched off.
• Type 5: Replace the filter, then press and hold the “ICE TYPE” and “LIGHT” buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until the status light switches off.

Note: Some KitchenAid refrigerator models don’t have a water filter status light. In this case, you’ll need to make a note in your calendar to replace the filter after 6 months.

📖 Our Top Tips For Replacing KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filters

Below, we’ve shared our top tips for replacing the water filter cartridge in your KitchenAid fridge.

Replace The Filter On Time

Like most refrigerator water filters, KitchenAid’s fridge filters last about 6 months. It’s important to replace your filter every 6 months, or whenever the indicator light comes on or the water flow rate from the dispenser slows significantly.

If you continue to use your water filter while it’s clogged, it’ll reduce the water flow to the dispenser and ice maker, so you’ll have to waste more time dispensing water and waiting for ice from the ice maker.

KitchenAid fridges can be used with or without filters, so if your water filter is clogged and you haven’t yet bought a new one, remove the old filter. The water system will automatically bypass the filter housing, delivering unfiltered water to the dispenser and ice maker.

Buy Genuine Replacement Filters

The only genuine water filters for KitchenAid refrigerator models are the water filters branded KitchenAid or Everydrop.

Using a non-genuine water filter in your KitchenAid fridge could reduce water flow, cause leaking due to poor fit, and prevent your water filter status light from resetting (if you have a model that should automatically reset when the filter is changed).

You’ll also get the intended performance from using a genuine filter in your refrigerator. Avoid getting scammed by third parties selling “genuine” KitchenAid fridge filters by buying directly from the manufacturer or one of its official third-party sellers.

Consult Your User Manual

Different KitchenAid fridge models require different filters and have their own unique processes for replacing the filters and resetting the filter status light.

Plus, new refrigerator models are periodically released, and these may have specific instructions for filter changes that we haven’t covered in this guide.

If you’re still unsure or can’t change the filter/reset the water filter status light following the instructions in this guide, consult your user manual for more information.

Catch Residual Water

The good news about KitchenAid fridges is that you don’t have to shut off your water supply to replace the water filter. The water will automatically bypass the filter compartment when you remove the old filter – but a bit of residual water may leak from the housing once the old filter is removed.

You can prepare for this possibility by having a clean towel or cloth to hand, which you can use to wipe away the water from the filter compartment before installing the new filter.

📑 Final Word

Hopefully, this guide has proved helpful in instructing you on how to replace the filter and reset the water filter light in your KitchenAid fridge.

We’ve tried to cover as many different scenarios as possible in this guide, but if you have any issues, check your user manual or reach out to the manufacturer for support.